Motor inhibition efficiency in healthy aging: the role of γ-aminobutyric acid

The ability to cancel a motor response is critical for optimal functioning in various facets of daily life. Hence, efficient inhibitory motor control is a key function throughout the lifespan. Considering the fact that inhibitory motor function gradually declines with advancing age, it is not surprising that the study of motor inhibition in this age group is gaining considerable interest. In general, we can distinguish between two prominent types of motor inhibition, namely proactive and reactive inhibition. Whereas the anticipation for upcoming stops(proactive inhibition) appears readily preserved at older age, the ability to stop an already planned or initiated action(reactive inhibition) generally declines with advancing age. The differential impact of aging on proactive and reactive inhibition at the behavioral level prompts questions about the neural architecture underlying both types of inhibitory motor control. Here we will not only highlight the underlying structural brain properties of proactive and reactive inhibitory control but we will also discuss recent developments in brain-behavioral approaches, namely the registration of neurochemical compounds using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This technique allows for the direct detection of the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, i.e., γ-aminobutyric acid, across the broader cortical/subcortical territory, thereby opening new perspectives for better understanding the neural mechanisms mediating efficient inhibitory control in the context of healthy aging. Ultimately, these insights may contribute to the development of interventions specifically designed to counteract age-related declines in motor inhibition.

Effects of a Drums Alive®Intervention versus Hand-Foot Coordination Training on Motor, Cognitive and Motivational Parameters in Seniors

This study was conducted to compare the effects of two different interventions on the physiological, cognitive, and motivational parameters in seniors;and, how they would be accepted as alternative forms of exercise in the senior population. The facilitators recruited 26 randomly selected participants from two senior care facilities in Chemnitz, Germany who were required to complete two 45-minute exercise periods a week for 30 days. The first group completed the Drums Alive intervention which included a multi-dimensional approach using music, movement, drumming choreographies, games, and activities. The second intervention group completed a series of Hand-Foot Coordination exercises that used beat-keeping patterns on various parts of the body. Each intervention group had three divisions of participants, i.e. “healthy” to define those with no diagnosed malady, “dementia” for those with varying degrees of diagnosed dementia, and, “wheelchair” and those requiring a wheelchair for movement. The pre- and post-testing measurements consisted of age, heart rate, blood pressure, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), bar-drop test, chair-raise test, 6-minute walk test, memory, concentration, balance, reaction, coordination, and cognitive flexibility. In addition, to measure the level of motivation, i.e. fun, the participants used a tool that was developed by the Psychology Department of the Chemnitz University. The results demonstrated that both interventions were suitable alternates for senior-focused conventional sports offerings, however, the Drums Alive intervention outperformed the Hand-Foot Coordination intervention in a majority of the measured domains by an overall average of 9.45 percent. Of note, the data, vis a vis motivation, demonstrated a 38.4 percent increase for Drums Alive vice a 13.3 percent increase for Hand-Foot Coordination, suggesting the Drums Alive intervention offered more effective protocols that could inspire seniors to make this a part of an overall health and wellness plan to improve their quality of life.

Using Sensewear armband and diet journal to promote adolescents' energy balance knowledge and motivation

Purpose： Educating adolescents about energy balance （EB） is essential for effective weight control. This study utilized the Sensewear （SWA） armband and a diet journal to promote adolescents＇ EB knowledge and motivation. Methods： Ninety sixth graders were randomly assigned into the experimental group （n = 46） who utilized SWA and diet journal for 7 consecutive days or the control group （n = 44） who did not. Both groups were pre- and post-measured on EB knowledge, situational interest, and weight. The experimental group was tracked on motivation effort, energy expenditure （EE）, and energy intake （EI）. Results： EB knowledge significantly increased and situational interest remained stable （except for total interest and enjoyment） over time, but these changes did not favor the experimental group. Situational interest and motivation effort were correlated with EE, EI, and/or EB. Conclusion： Tracking EB using the SWA and diet journal is motivating but has limited efficacy in promoting adolescents＇ EB knowledge. Using these two tools as educational technology in conjunction with a focused, systematic, and educational approach has the potential to leverage adolescents＇ EB knowledge, motivation, as well as behaviors for living an energy-balanced lifestyle.

High Intensity Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation to Enhance Quadriceps Strength after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Despite the implementation of accelerated ACL reha-bilitation and improved surgical technique, persistent quadriceps weakness continues to be reported in the liter-ature following ACL reconstruction.[1-4] The literature sug-gests, that the exclusive use of multijoint CKC

Making Play a Positive Inclusive Experience for Differently Abled Students, Athletes, and Patients with Disabilities

The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. Agencies work diligently to meet the law’s demands with inclusionary practices, including public accommodations, engaging students in regular classes, offering regular activities through state and local government services. However, the practices though well-meaning often actually exclude impaired people from play. Thus, the purpose of this philosophical research paper is to educate physical activity professionals on the importance of play for people with impairments and provide skills and strategies for inclusive behavior. These skills and strategies will help professionals foster an inclusive environment that the laws expect them to uphold. The skills include but are not limited to： perspective change, assessing students’ physical capabilities, modifying activities to include all participants’ capabilities, engaging all students in inclusivity and fostering play enjoyment with participants of varying abilities, teaching con？dence building skills, and educating students who do not want to be inclusive on the importance of play for everyone. Every professional should be successful at implementing an inclusive environment.

Body Composition and Performance Capabilities Based on Protein Intake in Collegiate Dancers： A Pilot Study

The aesthetic nature of dance places pressure on the athlete to have low body weight and fat and despite data showing higher protein intake improving body composition in numerous populations, a paucity of data exists on dancers. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine associations between protein intake, body composition and performance among dancers. Female dancers （n = 25; age 20.7 ± 1.8 years; mean ± SD） completed three-day diet logs, body composition （DXA）, and performance testing. Protein intake was expressed as g/kg/day and three equal tertiles were created （Low protein： LP, 〈 1.2 g/kg/day; Moderate protein： MP, 1.2-1.6 g/kg/day; High protein： HP, 〉 1.6 g/kg/day）. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA to compare group means with significance at P 〈 0.05. Protein and energy intake were greater in HP compared to LP （P = 0.001, 0.033, respectively）. The only performance difference observed was peak horizontal force （AMTI force platform） which was significantly greater in HP compared to LP （LP： 295.7 ± 111.1N, HP： 419.9 ± 76.7N; P = 0.029）. In conclusion, no significant differences were found between protein tertiles and body composition. Nevertheless, protein intake may be physiologically important to dancers when combined with evidence from other athletic .populations indicating high protein and energy intake may be beneficial to body composition.

Comparison of Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Responses Between Kettlebell Half Marathon and Treadmill Running at the Same Average Oxygen Consumption: A Case Study

Purposes In kettlebell sport(KS)half marathon,the lift of the kettlebell is required for the highest number of repetitions in 30 min.No data are available on cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses during this exercise routine.The aim of the study was to evaluate cardiopulmonary and metabolic responses to KS half marathon compared to 30 min treadmill running,chosen as a reference paradigm of aerobic exercise,at the same average oxygen consumption(VO_(2)).Methods A male elite KS athlete was enrolled in two trials separated by 7 days of rest.In the first trial,one-hand long-cycle KS exercise with a 1/3 body weight kettlebell was performed for 30 min(kettlebell half marathon,KT);in the second trial,30 min treadmill running(TR)was performed at the same average VO2 measured in the first trial(speed 9-10 km/h at 1°uphill inclination).Metabolic and cardiopulmonary assessments[respiratory exchange ratio(RER),tidal volume(TV),breathing frequency(f),minute ventilation(VE)],blood lactate(BL)kinetics,heart rate(HR),and blood pressure(BP)were measured in both experimental sessions.Results The average VO_(2) was 33.3 mL/min/kg in KT and 30.6 mL/min/kg in TR.The subject achieved RER_(peak) 1.17,RER_(mean) 0.98,HR_(peak) 172 bpm(94% HR_(max)),HR_(mean) 86% of HR_(max),BP_(peak) 220/100 mmHg in KT,BL_(peak) 7.2 mmol/L(during trial)in KT and RER_(peak) 1.13,RER_(mean) 0.89,HR_(peak) 142 bpm(78%HR_(max)),HR_(mean) 70% of HR_(max),BP_(peak) 160/80 mmHg,BL_(peak) 3.5 mmol/L(4 min after trial)mmol/L in TR.Conclusion Data indicate that a KS half marathon determines much higher cardiopulmonary and metabolic responses to treadmill running performed at similar VO_(2).

Acute Post-Activation Potentiation Effects of Heavy High-Pulls on Clean Performance

Aim The concept of post-activation potentiation(PAP)is still novel from a training perspective and lacks breadth relative to weightlifting exercises.Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of a conditioning activity(clean high pulls)on the performance of a main activity(clean)after the conditioning activity.Methods Eleven volunteers who engaged in weightlifting(Male=5,Female=6)participated in two different testing ses-sions(experimental vs.control).Baseline measurements were taken following the warm-up.The testing condition was performed and additional measurements were taken at 30 s,2 min,4 min,6 min,8 min,10 min,and 12 min into recovery.A linear position transducer was used to collect peak power,peak velocity,and displacement of the barbell during the clean.Multiple 2×8 repeated measures ANOVAs were used to analyze the data along with a paired samples t test between baseline and"best"values.Results There was no interaction or main effect for condition(P>0.05).However,there was a significant main effect for time(P<0.05)for all variables.The"best"values were significantly(P<0.05)greater than baseline values(peak power:experimental=1354.76 ±521.24 W vs.baseline 1216.03 ±492.30 W;peak velocity:experimental=2.66 ±0.44 m/s vs.baseline 2.50 ±0.44 m/s;displacement:experimental=111.07 ± 12.09 cm vs.baseline 107.01 ± 11.32 cm).Conclusions The findings of this study are in partial agreement with previous literature where the warm-up was probably enough to elicit PAP.Therefore,recommendations for future studies could include utilizing a more elite population and to ensure all potential participants can squat at least 2 x their body weight.